DEC: What’s the fracking rush?
According to DEC Commissioner Joe Martens, a 60-day comment period on the hydrofracking environmental impact assessment is all the public needs!
In an interview on August 2, 2011 with the Albany Times Union Editorial Board, Commissioner Martens stated that he is “inclined to stick with the 60 days” for the public to review the more than 1,000 page document! [read article]
Please take action today and tell Governor Cuomo and Joe Martens to stop the rush to fracking in New York.
Act now! Call DEC Commissioner Martens and Governor Cuomo:
1. Extend the public comment period to 180 days, and
2. Schedule public hearings across the state so that all New Yorkers have a chance to weigh in.
DEC Commissioner Martens: (518) 402-8544
Governor Cuomo: (518) 474-8390
Or, you can:
Contact the DEC Commissioner via webform, or via e-mail.
Contact the Governor via e-mail.
For talking points, please refer to the letter on this Action page
This fall, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will release more than 1,000 pages of its assessment of natural gas extraction using hydraulic fracturing or “fracking.”
According to the DEC, this revised draft will affect nearly 85% of the areas overlying the Marcellus Shale. The millions of New Yorkers whose daily lives will be impacted by increased truck traffic, increased industrial activity, and spills or accidents need the time to fully understand and weigh in on the state’s proposed plan.
Once this document is released, DEC proposes that the public get only 60 days to read, make sense of, and share their concerns about how fracking could be conducted in New York State.
The 60-day period proposed by DEC is entirely inadequate. The agency provided 90 days on the last draft, and this version seems to be even more comprehensive.
Also missing is the opportunity for public hearings across the state. During the comment period on the first Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (dSGEIS), DEC held hearings in Binghamton, Sullivan County, New York City, and Delaware County. At a minimum, DEC should return to those areas for hearings on the revised dSGEIS.
New Yorkers have the right to hold the gas industry accountable and help ensure our water and communities are protected.
Sixty days is simply not enough time to allow for thorough or meaningful public participation on a document that will profoundly affect many of New York’s communities. We deserve time to make sure we understand how our state could be impacted by fracking, and to submit comments urging the DEC to complete a full environmental review and to take action to put in place all of the protections identified as necessary.
